Calls for a national play strategy are being championed by a Cumbrian businessman.
Results of a year-long enquiry into how children play was published earlier this month and Barry Leahey, president of Playdale Playgrounds, said it was time to implement its recommendations.
Children have a right to play as part of the UN Convention on children’s rights, but England is falling behind with shrinking opportunities for children to access play, the rise in social media usage and doomscrolling, plus rising rates of obesity.
The independent report has suggested plenty of ways to make a lasting difference, including the design of child-friendly neighbourhoods, the introduction of pro-play planning policy, tackling digital overuse and creating a national play strategy.
Mr Leahey attended the House of Commons for the launch of the report and took the opportunity to voice Playdale’s call for meaningful funding commitments and advocating for national policy changes that put play back at the heart of childhood.
Mr Leahey said: “The Raising the Nation Play Commission report has come at a much-needed time, with plenty of opportunity to address many of the challenges our communities face,” says Leahey.
“The changes in planning guidance, the long-term health of our children, the burden on the NHS – for me, the report contains obvious answers to address the issues presented.
“We need a new national play strategy, supported by funding that will provide long-term, engaging and safe facilities that will more than pay for themselves several times over – complete with all the benefits a play area is proven to bring.”
